Batik

Batik is a beautiful way to decorate cloth. Artists draw patterns on fabric using hot, melted wax. Then they dip the fabric in dye. The wax blocks the dye from coloring those spots. When the wax is removed, a pretty pattern shows through.

How Batik Is Made

First, the artist draws a design on cloth with hot wax. A special tool called a tjanting holds the wax. The artist dips the fabric in colored dye. The wax parts do not soak up the color. Then the wax is melted off. The artist can add more wax and more colors to make detailed patterns.

Batik Around the World

Batik is very popular on the island of Java in Indonesia. People there have made batik for hundreds of years. Each region has its own special patterns. Batik is also made in Africa, India, and Malaysia. In 2009, the United Nations said Indonesian batik is an important world treasure.

Fun Facts

• The word batik may come from a Javanese word meaning to write with wax.
• Some batik patterns in Indonesia have special meanings for weddings or celebrations.
• Batik fabric can take weeks to finish because of all the wax and dye steps.

Did You Know?

Indonesian batik is so special that the United Nations named it an important cultural treasure of the world!